This is the first of many blog post For my series about navigating life in United Arab Emirates as an African American Woman.
After living in UAE as an expat for over 3 years, I consider myself pretty well versed on everything there is to know about living in UAE.

In this series, I will cover all the basics of living and traveling to UAE from the good, to the bad, to the in-between.

If you’re thinking about visiting or currently living in UAE and are confused about what to wear, this is the perfect guide to answer all your questions!

Why is There a Dress Code in UAE?

United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country in the Middle Eastern part of the world. Known for its riches, parties and extremely hot temperature, Dubai is the affectionately named the "Las Vegas” Of the Middle East. Though UAE is known to have less strict rules compared to its sister countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman there is still a modest dress code that should be followed at specific times.

What is the Dress Code in UAE?

Via the UAE Government: “Visitors to the UAE should dress modestly, particularly in conservative areas and public places like shopping malls. 

Clothing should not be transparent, indecently exposing parts of the body or displaying offensive pictures or slogans.

Both men and women might feel more comfortable wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders, arms and legs. 

Women traveling in the UAE are not expected to cover their heads or wear the traditional Muslim attire.

When visiting a mosque, women will be asked to respect the Muslim tradition and wear an abaya and cover their heads. Often, these would be provided at the mosque.

Any form of nudity is strictly forbidden; including topless sunbathing. Swimwear should not be worn in any other area outside the beach, water parks or swimming pools.”

What Do I Wear to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Mosques hold a religious and sacred position for all Muslims. Visitors to mosques should therefore abide by specific ethics and rules and show their full respect by following the instructions indicated below:

Dress code for men: Long-sleeve shirts, long trousers, no shorts. (White kandorahs are available for men who are inappropriately dressed.)

Dress code for women: long trousers or skirts, long-sleeve shirts or tops, nothing tight and a headscarf (important), (Black abayas are provided to visiting females.)

• Hair (for women) should be kept covered while in the mosque grounds but it's not necessary to cover faces.

• Footwear must be removed before entering so it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes that are easily removed.

When visiting the mosque you can opt for a cute abaya or a colorful dress with metallic accents that can be found at any souk in UAE. Abayas come in many different designs and colors and can range from extremely cheap 100aed/$30 or less, to over 350aed/$100.

Choose a long sleeve maxi dress or abaya that best fits your style but don’t forget a headscarf to cover all your hair.

Examples of Clothing for Women to Wear at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

What do I Wear to the Desert?

When you visit the deserts in UAE you definitely want to dress for the weather. The desert can get pretty hot especially if you come during the summer months. The high temperatures can average about 45c/113f during the summer months and 25c/ 77f during winter. Wear loose, breathable but comfortable clothes when visiting the deserts in UAE as you may want want to experience activities that require lots of movement, like dune bashing, camel and ATV riding. When thinking of what to wear in the desert, keep in mind the general dress code rules in UAE.

“Make it fashionnnn but also I don’t want to burn TF up!”

What do I wear to Dubai Mall, Restaurants and Everywhere In-between?

You want to “keep it cute” but modest when visiting restaurants, coffee shops or malls. When I run errands or go to general events in UAE, I wear shirts, blouses or dresses that cover my shoulders. If I opt for a top that has thin straps, no straps or is off the shoulder, I dress it down with a kimono, jean jacket or cardigan to stay modest. Layering is your best friend! You can wear almost any kind of top with a long layering piece like a kimono or cardigan. Keep dresses, shorts, skirts etc at knee level or below. Keep in mind that businesses, security or police may ask you to cover up or leave if you push the envelop.

But don’t fret, theres some places in Dubai where you can wear your

Beyoncé “Frekum dress!”

What do I wear to a Brunch, Club or Bar?

This is where there’s pretty much no rules (within reason). Most nightclubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will not allow entry to men wearing jeans, flip-flops, shorts or other casual attire. Women can wear pretty much anything they want to most clubs, brunches and bars. Many establishments have security/bouncers who ‘selectively’ let in the best dressed people (I’ve been denied into a club for wearing healed wedges, although I was wearing a two piece body-con outfit). In the upscale clubs in Jumeirah and large hotels, short skirts, micro minis and short dresses are normal clubbing attire. Just like any club in the world, do a quick check of their dress code rules before going.

Most clubs, bars and brunches have a unlimited drink menu and DJ that will make sure you have a Hot Girl Summer all year long

What do I wear to the Beach in UAE?

If you’re heading to the beach in UAE, go with your normal swimwear minus the thong bikini and nude bathing. This is another place in UAE where you can wear whatever you want as long as it follows the UAE Government guidelines. Dont be afraid to show your curves or wear a birkini, all are acceptable. When leaving the beach make sure you have your cover up ready as you’re not allowed to walk around outside of the beach in your swim wear.

Final Tips on What to Wear in UAE

• As with any country, always be respectful of the culture

• If you’re traveling to an emirate outside of the Abu Dhabi or Dubai, double check dress code standards for beaches and clubs, brunches and bars

• When in doubt, always bring a scarf or cardigan to cover up if asked

• Women traveling solo can adhere to these guidelines if traveling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. (If traveling to other emirates double check dress code)

• Keep it cute but comfortable! UAE can get extremely hot, sometimes the more loose the better

• Bring a scarf if you get cold. AC is always on and pumping out cold air in indoor facilities.